Rahimyar khan: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the foremost challenge facing the country today is to safeguard Pakistan against internal and external threats, as hostile forces are attempting to destabilise the nation through various means.Addressing a public gathering, the President stated that enemies of Quaid-e-Azam's vision look at Pakistan with ill intent, but the nation, united with the strength of its people, will not only respond firmly but will also protect and strengthen the country.The President emphasised that the Pakistan Peoples Party represents the federation and carries the true spirit of national unity. He remarked that leadership demands responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider themselves capable of fulfilling a responsibility should refrain from assuming it. In an apparent reference to political opponents, he said that true leadership requires resilience and steadfastness rather than fear or retreat.President Zardari stated that the people and lea dership of his party have deep historical roots in the region and are closely connected to the land. 'We all owe a debt to this soil, and the best way to repay it is by serving the people and ensuring their welfare,' he said. He further maintained that public service remains the cornerstone of his political philosophy.Responding to a demand raised by a local legislator, the President announced that the Sindh government would establish a university in the area and, in his capacity as President, granted approval in principle. He expressed his preference for a medical university so that the local population could benefit directly from improved healthcare education and facilities. He added that he would also discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Sindh to ensure the project's progress.Highlighting the importance of human capital, President Zardari observed that population growth, if managed effectively, can become a source of national wealth. He stressed the need to strengthen th e irrigation system to enhance agricultural productivity, noting that improved water management and increased effort could significantly raise per-acre crop yields. He encouraged farmers to focus on increasing production and maximising the potential of fertile land in the region.Referring to his earlier tenure, President Zardari said he fully understands the importance of South Punjab and recalled that he had appointed Yusuf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister and Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood as Governor of Punjab to ensure development and representation. He stated that 30 percent of the development budget had been allocated to South Punjab at the time, although only 28 percent could ultimately be utilised.Paying tribute to party leaders, the President said that the political vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains unparalleled. He recalled that despite being advised by friendly countries not to return to Pakistan due to security threats, she chose to honour her commitment to the people and returned, fully aware of the risks involved. He also honoured Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, stating that the love and respect he continues to receive from the public is rooted in his service and achievements.Addressing the situation in Balochistan, President Zardari warned against elements attempting to mislead the youth and undermine national unity. He asserted that Pakistan would not be allowed to fragment and emphasised that while demands may be legitimate, issues must be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation. He maintained that the country's resources and mineral wealth must be protected in the national interest.Reflecting on his own political journey, the President said that he had endured long years in prison during the struggle for democracy and that leadership requires courage and perseverance. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving the people, stating that the more a government works for public welfare, the stronger and more stable the nation becomes.Former Governor of Punjab Makhdo om Ahmad Mahmood said that the Pakistan Peoples Party holds a strong position in South Punjab and continues to enjoy overwhelming support in the region. Addressing party workers, he expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm and commitment shown by PPP supporters, stating that witnessing their passion and unity brings him immense pride.He said that the party's strength was recently demonstrated in the by-election, where the seat was successfully secured with a significant margin. He credited the victory to the dedication and hard work of the party's committed workers, who, according to him, turned the election into a remarkable achievement for the PPP.Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood added that the by-election win was presented as a gift to the party's leader, Asif Ali Zardari, reflecting the loyalty and confidence of the workers in his leadership. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party remains firmly rooted in South Punjab and will continue to strengthen its position through public support and organisationa l unity.Member of Provincial Assembly Mumtaz Ali Khan said that the most pressing issue of the area was law and order, which, through the cooperation of the Sindh government and the efforts of the Punjab government, has now been largely brought under control. Addressing a gathering, he stated that there was a time when residents were unable to step out at night due to security concerns, but the situation has significantly improved and people can now move freely.He said that he consistently raised the issue of law and order in the provincial assembly and advocated strongly for effective measures to restore peace in the region. According to him, sustained efforts and coordination between the two provincial governments have played a key role in stabilizing the situation.Mumtaz Ali Khan further stated that, following the ideology of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he has always prioritized public welfare and remains committed to serving the people with dedication. On the occasion, he reiterated his desire to establish a university in the area and announced that he is ready to donate land for the project. However, he expressed concern that the Punjab government has yet to provide a formal response regarding the proposal.Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari offered his heartfelt condolences to MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang on the demise of his mother and prayed for the departed soul's eternal peace and for strength and patience for the bereaved family.Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Members of the National Assembly Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mahmood and Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmood, MPA Sardar Raees Nabeel, Provincial Minister Sindh Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, and a large number of party workers attended the gathering.